Excitement builds as Spain, Argentina get set for World Cup final at MetLife Stadium
The 2026 World Cup started a month ago with 48 teams competing in three host countries for one coveted one trophy -- and now it all comes down to the final at MetLife Stadium.
Argentina will try to defend its title, while Spain will look to return to glory for the first time since 2010.
It has been one of the most exciting summers, and the fervor is only growing as we get closer to the 3 p.m. kickoff. More than 80,000 fans are expected to attend. Among them will be President Trump, as well Spain's King Felipe VI and Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Argentina President Javier Milei has chosen to skip the event for superstitious reasons.
Fan events held across NYC
Fans gathered across New York City on Saturday in preparation for the historic match.
Thousands of Argentina supporters stormed Times Square for a fan takeover, where there was one man top of mind -- Lionel Messi.
"Messi is the best in the world, right? Of course. Argentina is the best in the world," a fan named Connie said.
Amid the sea of white and blue was one lone Spain fan who was seemingly unimpressed by the Argentine coalition.
"I think everyone is excited. We get the vibes of 2010 again. Like, we really wanna have it," Pablo Villosaava said. "We really want to have it."
Meanwhile, hundreds of Spain fans converged outside Madison Square Garden, where they held their own pep rally.
Despite all the focus on the final, fans attended a watch party at Hudson Yards to root on France and England in the third-place match, which England won 6-4.
Yet, the smack talk over the final continued.
"They basically have one player, and that's about it," Spain fan Manny Lastra said.
"Losers can ... they can keep making excuses and keep explaining. The winners are gonna celebrate," Argentina fan Abhishek Paul said.
World Cup security and forecast
As fierce as the competition is, security will be even more aggressive at MetLife.
Barriers were put in place outside the stadium early Saturday amid a heavy police presence.
As far as weather goes, after a smoky couple of days and stormy Saturday, much improved conditions will make a comeback.
Lots of sunshine, low humidity and highs in the mid 80s will make for a perfect end to the weekend and the World Cup.
